To the people of Haldimand County,
To be Mayor of Haldimand is to lead our community in a manner that reflects the hopes and wishes of residents in how they would like to see Haldimand progress into the future.
Haldimand is succeeding because we are a community that believes we can succeed. Leadership promotes conversation, legitimate study, and communal decision making when our community is faced with important decisions. Those who are closed-minded to conversation are, in my opinion, unfit to lead Haldimand County.
I want to be clear with residents over the Nanticoke concept presented by Empire Homes. No application has been made to the County. Current plans do not include any development in Nanticoke. Should an application be made, provincial law requires exhaustive public consultations prior to any approvals or rejections. Moreover, what has been presented would take decades to fully build if, and only if, it were to be approved.
If public consultations result in the community being against the project, I will vote AGAINST it.
Some have misinterpreted my comments, saying I support the Nanticoke proposal. This is not true. They have mistaken my willingness to listen and work with anyone to achieve opportunities for Haldimand County and our residents. Despite uninformed comments, the MZO seeks the provincial government to implement the standard industrial setback guidelines in Nanticoke versus the uniquely restrictive requirements today. If approved, land control would be returned to the County and most importantly, local landowners. Those landowners deserve the same land rights others enjoy elsewhere in our county.
Sincerely,
Ken Hewitt
